DPM calls it a meaningful step towards peace and says it will strengthen collective efforts in that direction
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Photo: MOFA
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that Iran had agreed to allow 20 more Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
“I am happy to share good news that the government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 more Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” Dar said in a post on X, adding that two ships would cross the Strait of Hormuz daily.
The latest development came as Pakistan stepped up its diplomatic efforts since the start of the US-Israel-Iran conflict to help defuse tensions in the Middle East. As a result, President Donald Trump postponed planned military strikes on Iranian power plants after diplomatic efforts.
Calling it a “welcome and constructive gesture” from Iran, Dar said the move was a harbinger of peace and would help usher in stability in the region.
“This positive announcement marks a meaningful step towards peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction,” he said, adding that “dialogue, diplomacy and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward.”
I am happy to share the good news that the Government of Iran has agreed to allow another 20 Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz; two ships will cross the strait daily.
This is a welcome and constructive gesture from Iran and deserves appreciation. The…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) March 28, 2026
Earlier in the day, sources in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed that Iran had allowed two Pakistani cargo ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
the vessels, Multan and P-Akiliwhich was previously held after Iranian forces took control of the strait – a key global oil supply route – has now crossed and is heading for Karachi. They are expected to dock at Karachi port on March 31, a source familiar with the matter said.
Read: Iran allows 2 Pakistani cargo ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz
It is the second time that Tehran allowed a Pakistani ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began on February 28. Earlier, a Pakistani oil tanker sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on March 16.
The Middle East region remains on high alert following the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began on February 28, which has resulted in over 3,000 deaths, including then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries that host US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage and disruption to global markets and aviation.
